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About Nepal

Nature

In the natural world, Nepal is one of the richest countries, with the greatest mountain range on earth offering breathtaking mountain scenery, lush terraced farmland and rice paddies, wind-swept deserts, glacial lakes, and sub-tropical forest teeming with a wealth of wildlife. 

The elevation from the fertile plains of the Terai in the South, to the Greater Himalaya and Tibetan plateau in the north, represents the largest altitude variation in the world, from less than 100 metres above sea level to the summit of Everest at 8,848 metres, the highest point on earth.

Nepal is home to two world heritage sites:

Chitwan National park is the most famous, and is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, and holds one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Bengal tiger.  It also supports deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, monkeys, and more than 450 species of bird. 

Sagarmatha National Park includes Mount Everest and other high peaks, and forms a rugged landscape with deep gorges and glaciers.  It is the home of the famous Sherpa people, who have made their name in the mountaineering and trekking industry.  Wildlife found here include musk deer, black bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard.

Culture

Nepal is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere, with over 125 languages, dozens of ethnic groups and a wondrously rich and compatible religious way of life.  Nepal has never been colonized by another nation, and as such it has developed a self-contained culture and society. 

The two main religions are Hinduism and Buddhism.  They have co-existed throughout the ages, and many Hindu temples share the same complex as Buddhist shrines.  Hindu and Buddhist worshippers regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites.

The population comprises various groups of different races, coming from different parts of the country, which are further divided into different castes.  Some of the main groups are: Gurungs, Limbus, Sherpas, Newars, Tharus and Brahmins.  Nepali is the official language, but the ethnic groups speak many other languages and dialects.  English is spoken by many in government and business offices, and is taught in most schools.

Numerous annual festivals are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style, highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.  CWS works to uphold these traditions and to encourage particularly younger people to enjoy their cultures.

 For more information on the country, please see the Nepal Tourist Board website.